The Pew Research Center surveyed almost 5,000 Americans and concluded the majority found meaning in their families, at 69 percent. But only 19 percent listed their friends, compared with 34 percent who highlighted their careers and 23 percent who chose to highlight money.
One fifth said spirituality and faith, and 19 percent activities and hobbies. Health scored 16 percent, followed by home and surroundings at 13, with learning at 11 percent.
A person’s political and religious leanings colored their answers, the researchers noted. Family was the most popular topic across the board. But respondents who said they had conservative values were more likely to gain meaning from religion than liberals, who found were fulfilled by creativity and causes.
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